2. speakers
  3. 1341649131

B&W 804s too bright

Hi all, I have just purchased a used pair of 804s in good condition. But the thing is, I find that they actually sounded a bit too bright. Before this I was using a pair of Martin Logans and had no such problem. I was thinking whether it is my other equipment which is giving me the problem.

I am running the 804s with Emotiva XPA-3 power amp, ERC-1 CDP and Marantz 6003 as preamp. In between pre and power I have a Yaqin tube buffer to add a tinge of tube taste to all.

Any suggestions?
chaozhoi
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I'm not familiar with your components or cables. I would suggest trying a tube integrated amp to replace the Marantz/Emotiva, maybe a Cary SLI-80. Generally, it the lower price ranges integrated amps are the way to go. For cables, Cardas has always had a good reputation for warmer sounding cables.
chaozhoi OP
8 posts
 
As I am using the speakers for both HT and Stereo, quite a waste to use tube on HT.. any SS amps to recommend? I heard that Classe are good match for B&W.. any other brands?
chaozhoi OP
8 posts
 
I also realized that the sound got better and more tamed when I used it with grills on. Less intimidating and overwhelming. Is it a right feeling I am getting?
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
You might try changing the toe in out and taming the ceiling and side wall reflections as well as speaker distance. The emotiva an be bright. I say treat the room first.
gpgr4blu
1,086 posts
 
McIntosh goes very well with B & W, esp the tubed amps. Tames the highs v well.
More to discover